World

‘Not considering scrapping Confederations Cup’

Spain break record in 10-0 demolition of Tahiti.

Afp June 21, 2013

The nation-wide mass demonstrations, which have sometimes turned violent, are taking place as Brazil is hosting teams from around the world for the Confederations Cup. PHOTO: AFP

RIO DE JANEIRO: World football’s governing body Fifa has no plans to scrap the Confederations Cup despite huge protests rocking Brazil, said a spokesman.

“At no stage has Fifa considered or discussed abandoning the Confederations Cup with the local authorities,” said Fifa media chief Pekka Odriozola.

“We’re monitoring the situation with the authorities. We support the right of free speech but condemn violence.”

The nation-wide mass demonstrations, which have sometimes turned violent, are taking place as Brazil is hosting teams from around the world for the Confederations Cup, a dry run for next year’s World Cup being held in six host cities.

Many Brazilians are angry over the expensive preparations for the World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics.

Spain romp to record 10-0 win over Tahiti

Spain broke the record for the biggest margin of victory at the final phase of a Fifa tournament by crushing Tahiti 10-0 at the Confederations Cup in Rio de Janeiro.

Fernando Torres scored four times and David Villa claimed a hat-trick for the world and European champions at Rio’s hallowed Maracana, with David Silva adding a brace and Juan Mata also finding the net.

No team had previously won by 10 goals at an international Fifa event, with Hungary (9-0 against South Korea at the 1954 World Cup, 10-1 against El Salvador at the 1982 World Cup) and Yugoslavia (9-0 against Zaire at the 1974 World Cup) the co-holders of the previous record.

Tahiti, who sit 138th in the Fifa ranking, equalled their heaviest defeat – a 10-0 demolition by New Zealand in 2004 – but Spain fell short of matching their 13-0 annihilation of Bulgaria in a 1933 friendly.

“It’s a very nice result,” said Spain coach Vicente del Bosque. “The difference between the two teams was too great,” “But we played our game and they have a way of playing that is correct.”

Tahiti coach Eddy Etaeta said the reception his part-time players had received from the Brazilian crowd represented a ‘great victory’. “We’ve won the hearts of the fans,” he said. “’Obrigado’ (thank you, in Portuguese) to everyone.”

Published in The Express Tribune, June 22^nd, 2013.

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